How The New York Liberty's Mascot, Ellie the Elephant, Gets Ready on Game Day#

Most fans were introduced to Big Ellie after her viral halftime performances during the New York Liberty’s playoff run in 2023. That season she debuted her first iconic persona, Lil’ Ellie Kim, an homage to the Grammy Award–winning rapper Lil’ Kim. While Ellie went viral in 2023, she got her start with the New York Liberty in 2021 after Maddie the Golden Retriever’s retirement. This coincided with the team’s move to their new home at the Barclays Arena in downtown Brooklyn after 20 years in Manhattan at Madison Square Garden.

Mascots usually represent the themes of the city’s character. In the case of Ellie, she embodies Brooklyn’s authenticity, style, and unapologetic aura of a true trendsetter. At the Barclays, Ellie struts the halls—all eyes are on her and her entourage. If you’re lucky enough to meet her, she might just kiss you on both cheeks. Fans see themselves in Ellie’s contagious confidence and feel their inner baddie light up in her presence. Like any New Yorker in Brooklyn, Ellie has her nonnegotiables for food depending on the time of day. We caught up with Ellie to see what she eats on game day.

The Pregame Ritual#

Before making her way to the arena, Ellie makes a brief stop at the Flatbush Shake Shack, a common pregame staple for most neighborhood fans before the game. A Black & White milkshake in hand, Ellie struts to her dressing room for glam.

Before the game even begins, Ellie has to be fueled for an evening of media events, dance practices, and her special halftime performance. Once she’s settled, she makes her rounds at the Barclay’s own bodega, the Corner Store. She selects a bag of chips and a cup of hot coffee. After hours of pregame activities, Ellie dons a new look for her signature pregame tunnel walk: fresh buttahs, a black leather jacket with the iconic New York Liberty logo, and a blonde bob with her hoodie up—a nod to none other than Miss Mary J. Blige.

Prime Time#

The Arena erupting for Ellie!

As tip-off time approaches, Ellie heads to the court to pump up the crowd. The stadium erupts in applause and cheers —a guaranteed reaction any time she comes on the court. Ellie’s presence is more than just your average mascot who gestures “D-Fence” to the crowd. She is a full-on headlining act of her own. As the Liberty lead the game going into the half, Ellie returns to the floor donning her blonde bob and cheekily walks to center court. She performs a medley of Mary J. hits from “Family Affair” to “Real Love Remix (feat. The Notorious B.I.G.).” RIP, Biggie. When the Liberty return fresh from halftime, the crowd, too, is revitalized from Ellie’s energizing halftime show.

The iconic Ellie J Blige.

As the game enters the fourth quarter, Ellie makes her way through the Barclays main concourse. The buzzing arena features a plethora of food options, but Pop’s Patties and Coco Bred always grab her attention. “They have always been favorites of mine,” she says. “They remind me of being outside in Brooklyn and bring the flavor of the borough with every bite.”

Coco Bred and Pop’s Patties are new additions at the Barclays’ Brooklyn Market, a food hall with a rotating selection of local and minority-owned vendors. At Pop’s Patties, the oxtail and short rib patty is the fan favorite. It washes down well with a sweet guava pineapple juice. The curry veggie patty is a decadent vegetarian option. Across from Pop’s Patties, Coco Bred offers another irresistible bite—a soft and slightly sweet coco bread with a topping of your choice. If she isn’t ordering their oxtail coco bread, Ellie chooses coco bread with coconut curry chickpeas. In this dish the chickpeas are blended with a pumpkin stew and topped with crunchy plantain.

The Postgame Hang#

As the night comes to a close, Ellie has a lot to celebrate: another viral performance, the New York Liberty’s victory, and a secured spot in the playoffs. She keeps it local and ends her night at Ginger’s or Singer’s. Both are part of the Liberty Bar Network, a collective of bars across the city that serve as official watch destinations for Liberty away games, offering fans themed drink specials, giveaways, and an opportunity to connect with fellow Liberty fans. After a home game, these spots are the perfect place for Ellie to unwind.